The UN Charter's system of collective security

The first attempt to create a global system of collective security took the form of the short-lived League of Nations, its perceived failings informing the nature of the system enshrined within the United Nations Charter in the aftermath of World War II. The UN system was essentially crafted by that conflict&s;s victorious allied powers, representing a discretionary, selective form of collective security within which they would assume a special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. This chapter seeks to provide an understanding of the core features of the UN collective security system. It demonstrates the key lessons taken from the League of Nations experience by the UN&s;s founders, showing that while the model adopted for the UN provided for flexibility and potential creativity on the part of its principal organs in the future, it was one in which the continued cooperation and commitment of the major powers would be critical to its ability to play a meaningful role in responding to situations threatening international peace and security. This point is made particularly starkly by reference to the relevant roles of the Security Council and General Assembly within the UN system.